John Gioffredi & Associates

If You've Been Charged With A DWI, Visit These Resources To Learn About The Consequences You Can Avert By Hiring The Right Attorney

DUI and DWI charges carry very steep penalties, so it is important to educate yourself about these offenses. To learn more about the DUI/DWI topics of our recent blogs, simply take a look at these websites:

• Learn more about the field sobriety tests approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• According to this news report, field sobriety tests may not be an accurate measure of impairment.

• Like all other states, Texas has an implied consent law that imposes a license suspension on anyone who refuses to take a chemical test for alcohol. However, in some cases, this may be a better choice than giving the police evidence to use against you in a DUI/DWI trial.

• In Nueces County, probation offers are trying a new strategy for random drug testing: portable Breathalyzers.

If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in the Dallas area, call John Gioffredi & Associates at (888) 859-2702.

Should You Hire A Drunk Driving Defense Attorney?

After a DUI/DWI arrest, you may feel like you have no legal options. However, you should take the time to hire a defense attorney. Check out this video to learn some of the ways an experienced DUI/DWI defense can help you during your trial.

Laws regarding penalties for drunk driving are complex, and you need an advocate on your side who is familiar with them. Sobriety tests also come with their own set of legal complexities, which only an experienced attorney will know how to use to your advantage.

To discuss your case with an experienced DUI/DWI defense attorney, call (214) 739-4515 to reach John Gioffredi & Associates. Attorney Gioffredi is persistent, skilled, and knowledgeable, so you will get the representation you need in court.

What to Expect if Punished with Probation for a DWI

After a DUI/DWI conviction, many people believe that they are better off serving probation instead of spending time in jail. Probation appeals to many people because they think it is less disruptive to their lives than jail, but they often do not realize all the conditions of probation that they will be subject to. Here is a look at what probation may entail:

• Monthly fees. Probation isn’t free—it usually costs the probationer $60 to $100 dollars a month. This is in addition to any payment for treatment or other aspects of probation, which can also be very expensive.

• Court-ordered alcohol treatment. Even for a first offense, judges will often order the probationer to attend an alcohol awareness and treatment course that lasts several months. People who work or have kids may have trouble finding the time and money to attend these classes.

• Regular meetings with probation officer. Anyone on probation for DUI/DWI will be required to check in with his probation officer on a regular basis to verify that he is abiding by all the conditions of his probation.

• Random drug testing. Because probation comes with the condition that a probationer abstain from alcohol, probation officers can order drug tests at any point to make sure that the probationer is not drinking.

• Victim impact panels. These panels, operated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, bring together people who have been arrested for DUI/DWI and victims of drunk driving to discuss the impact that drunk driving can have on the lives of others. According to MADD, these panels help probationers understand the consequences of their actions.

Imagine dealing with all of these conditions for two years. Is that better than spending a weekend in jail? Not always. Instead of automatically choosing probation, talk to DWI/DUI attorney John Gioffredi about your other options. You may find that a short jail sentence is actually less disruptive to your life and less expensive than years on probation. To schedule a consultation in our office, call (214) 739-4515.

Suspected of a DWI? Don't Incriminate Yourself; Just Say No!

Getting pulled over or arrested on suspicion of DUI/DWI is always nerve-wracking, but there is one simple step you can take to make it easier: Just say no!

Getting Pulled Over

If you’re pulled over by the police, they will no doubt ask you questions about how much you’ve had to drink, what you’ve been doing that night, and other questions. They’re not trying to learn about you—they’re trying to get you to talk, so they can hear you slur your words or smell alcohol on your breath. You are not obligated to answer their questions, so simply provide the officer with your identification and registration.

The officer may ask you to take sobriety tests, like following a pen with your eyes. Though he may act like you have to take these tests, that simply isn’t true. You are under no legal obligation to take field sobriety tests, and doing so can only hurt you. There is no way to pass these tests, and anything you do will only give the police evidence to use against you. You have the right to refuse to take these tests.

The Arrest

Once you refuse to take the roadside sobriety tests, the officer may arrest you on suspicion of drunk driving and take you down to the police station in order to take a blood or breath alcohol test. Under Texas’ implied consent law, you will face penalties for refusing to take a chemical alcohol test. However, this is much better than being falsely convicted for DUI/DWI. Refusal to take a chemical test means that you will face a license suspension; being convicted for DUI or DUI could mean jail time or probation and a large fine. Even when faced with a chemical test and the threat of a suspended license, remember: Just say no!

If you need an attorney to defend you against a DUI/DWI charge, call John Gioffredi & Associates today. Attorney Gioffredi is a DUI/DWI expert who hates to lose and will do everything he can to acquit you. Call (214) 739-4515 to set up a consultation today.

Explore These Useful Resources To Get More Information On The Intricacies Of DWI Arrests And Legal Proceedings

If you have questions about DUI trials, field sobriety tests, or chemical testing for alcohol, take a look at these websites.

• Head over to this website to learn more about what is involved in an arraignment.

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides an explanation of its three approved field sobriety tests.

• Breathalyzers are commonly used to test for intoxication. Learn more about how these devices work at HowStuffWorks.com.

• As this article details, blood alcohol tests can be complicated by several factors.

• Learn more about pre-trial meetings from the American Bar Association.

In the Dallas area, John Gioffredi & Associates can defend you against DWI charges, help you get your rights back, and clear your name. To schedule a consultation, call (214) 739-4515.